Thursday, 29 October 2015

Relief? Jubilation? A bit of both? Yes, the Capital One Cup was the
source of Liverpool’s first victory under JürgenKlopp. Although against
somewhat weaker opposition in Bournemouth, Liverpool themselves weren’t at full
strength, either, as Klopp looked to blood several younger players such Cameron
Brannagan, Connor Randall, and Joao Carlos Teixeira. Not only was it a brave
decision, it also proved to be the right one.

Although the Reds struggled to break their current trend by scoring no
more than one goal, the positive was at the other end of the pitch, where they
managed to keep a clean sheet. Adam Bogdan once again proved an able deputy to
incumbent, Simon Mignolet, with several saves, one arguably the match-winner,
in many respects.

The improvement of the back four will be a welcoming sight to many Reds
supporters. Although it’s very earlier days, the signs are there of a defence
that is improving. This is where games will be won, and moving forward tonight
was a good springboard for the club in its quest to gain three points on
Saturday at Stamford Bridge.

Ratings as follows:

Adam
Bogdan - 7: Provided three great saves in the first half. His first kept the Reds in
the game. Made an important save late on, too, which further demonstrated his
abilities to step into this team and contribute. Although Simon Mignolet is the
undoubted first choice at this moment, Bogdan has proven he can do the job,
should he be called upon.

Connor
Randall - 6: Struggled early on, but like many of his teammates,
grew into the game and took up some nice positions in the final third. More
performances like this will leave little doubt in the manager’s mind that he is
capable to cover for Nathaniel Clyne, should Jon Flanagan struggle to come back
from his knee injury.

Kolo
Toure (c) - 5: Lasted just twenty-seven minutes before being
substituted with a hamstring injury. Made one crucial header from a Bournemouth
set-piece.

Dejan
Lovren - 6: The much maligned Croatian put in a solid display on his return from
injury. Very strong in the tackle and although he was bailed out late in the
game by Nathaniel Clyne, he was assured for the most part. A sound
comeback.

Nathaniel
Clyne – 7 (Man of the Match): Despite playing out of position at left back,
Liverpool’s liveliest summer signing was superb and capped off an all-round
display with his first goal for the club. Still has more room for improvement,
which is an encouraging sign for the England International.

Joe
Allen - 6: An up and down night for the little Welshman. Gave away the ball on
numerous occasions, however worked very hard off the ball and helped keep the
shape in midfield. Looked far more comfortable with Lucas’ introduction to the
game. I feel he is a Klopp type of player, but needs to be more consistently assured
on the ball.

Cameron
Brannagan - 6:
Didn’t appear overawed by the occasion. Struggled to get into the game, but off
the ball he pressed well in a midfield that functioned as a unit. Will continue
to grow with more game time, most probably in the Europa League.

Joao
Carlos Teixeira - 7: It’s hard to believe this was only his second
appearance for the club; his first at Anfield. It's also hard to believe he's
older than the likes of Emre Can. Unlucky not to score with this back-heel
towards goal. Looked a threat from set-pieces, too; a quality that Liverpool
have severely lacked all season. Could very well break into the first team. An
interesting option for Klopp.

Jordan
Ibe- 7: Looked lively from the outset, beating his man and getting to the by line
with consummate ease. Like most wingers these days, his end product needs work,
but with age and talent on his side, should improve this facet of his game.

Roberto
Firmino - 7: Like Ibe, was very lively, constantly finding
pockets of space in the final third. Should have put the game to bed midway
through the second half, but other than that, it was a good performance from
the Brazilian.

Divock
Origi - 6: Once again, struggled to get into the game. His lack of movement in the
final third made it difficult for him. Would be more suited with a strike
partner. Plenty of time to work on certain aspects of his game.